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NCAA Transfer Rumors: Where Should Malik Newman Play Next?

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 13, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Malik Newman (14) moves the ball down the court during the first half of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Malik Newman (14) moves the ball down the court during the first half of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – JANUARY 9: Malik Newman #14 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs drives down the court against Jimmy Whitt #24 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on January 9, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Bulldogs 82-68. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – JANUARY 9: Malik Newman #14 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs drives down the court against Jimmy Whitt #24 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on January 9, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Bulldogs 82-68. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention: Mississippi State Bulldogs

There’s something to be said about a player’s ability to make the most of a bad situation. The Mississippi State Bulldogs clearly didn’t know how to properly put Malik Newman’s skills to use in 2015-16, but Newman can make a statement about his character by returning.

That isn’t to say that his character evaluation would take a hit by leaving—it wouldn’t, he’s a good kid—but redemption is the ultimate form of endearment.

Newman battled injuries as a freshman, but it was surprising to see him used in an excessively off-ball capacity. Newman is a good shooter, but his greatest strength coming out of high school was his ability to create in isolation.

That disconnect between Newman and Mississippi State coach Ben Howland seems to be persisting, per Newman’s father (h/t Michael Bonner of The Clarion Ledger).

And thus, Mississippi State ranking at the bottom of this list.

Generally speaking, a coach and his star player are in somewhat close contact during the NBA Draft process. This is an opportunity for the school, as well as the player, and a head coach can help provide structure as their player enters a new spotlight.

If Howland and Newman aren’t on the same page, then it’d be tough to justify his returning to Mississippi State in 2016-17—whether he wants to or not.

Next: The Foreign Alternative